A Message from the Refuge Manager

The Refuges Are Open

The Refuges are open!  Please adhere to CDC, State of Florida, and local directives on this pandemic event.  Our lands, waters, trails, roads, fishing, turkey hunt season, boardwalks, fishing piers, viewing areas, boat launches, etc. are there for you to safely and responsibly enjoy.  As long as we have cleaning supplies, we will maintain the public restrooms.  We are all eager to stay healthy and keep others healthy as well. 

The Refuge is big enough that we can keep a safe distance from each other and enjoy nature's beauty in Spring. The trails and roads are here for you. Come enjoy fishing, see the butterflies and the birds, put your boat in at McCormick Creek, Shellmound, or Shired Island launches. Drive the Nature Drive. Walk down the River Trail to the gazebo and sing a verse of Way Down Upon the Suwannee River.

We will miss visiting with you at headquarters; we have had to close the headquarters building and rest room because of Coronavirus precautions. But please, come on out and enjoy the nature-based recreation that the Refuge is known for.  

​Stay well!  ~  Andrew (call or text 703.622.3896).